Improvements seen in Providence tourism industry

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Providence tourism industry appears to be on the rebound. Sixty-four percent of hotel rooms have been full on average so far this year, compared to 57 percent at this time last year.

The statistics come from the Providence Convention and Visitors Bureau whose spokeswoman, Kristen Adamo, says the hotel industry is back to pre-recessionary levels.

"It's actually been really good news for the hotel industry in Providence," Adamo says. "We've definitely rebounded from the tough economic times of 2008 and 2009. We've seen significant increases from January right now through to September."

While occupancy rates are staging a comeback, room rates have taken a hit from the recession. The average Providence hotel room now costs $126 compared to $145 in 2008.

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